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Deck Design

I'm in the process do designing a deck. My home is a corner home, and my deck will be visible from both the front and side street. I plan on having a multi-tier deck, with open steps going to a paver patio. The deck height is 40" above grade in the back of my home, where I have a pair of French doors, but my grade slopes to about a 5%slope on the both sides that the deck will step down to. My major concern is that I want to build the deck in "scale" and "proportion" to my current home. My structure is approx 36' x 36' and a two story home. I've tried applying the "golden rule" , but can't really picture the design. I've also tried contacting some design firms, but no one wants to just design a deck. All contacts only design if the labor is included as part of the job. I can't see paying the price here in Northern VA for the labor, when I can do the labor myself. I've poured footings, and built structures before. Any suggestions on where I should look or what I should do? I'm trying to get this done within the next two months so my family and I can enjoy this summer out doors.

(post #176300, reply #2 of 4)

Rather than design firms, maybe you could locate a local contractor that has built decks you like. I would think some contractors would gladly design a deck for a fee without having to do the heavy lifting of actually building it.

Or, try a landscape architect. They are used to drawing outdoor structures. Just don't rely on them for the structural part.

Or, maybe you could post a notice at a local architecture school. Maybe a talented student could draw something as an exercise.

(post #176300, reply #3 of 4)

Thanks for your input. In my area, there is more work than firms. I've checked with builders and landscape companies. It's definitely a busy area, and no one seems to want to give up several hours of paid work for the big job.